Halloween Scares This Year Not From Goblins

Debris, Loss Of Power Causing Safety Concerns In Many Cities

October 31, 2005|By Erika Slife Staff writer

Little ghouls, witches and monsters raided The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens on Sunday in search of candy, treats and other loot.

Partygoers, the majority in costume, spilled out of the mall's entranceway, crammed escalators and crowded walkways. Outside, cars overflowed the mall's lot, with vehicles parked on the grass and in lots across the street.

Although there was no way to count the number of people, mall marketing director Jeannie Roberts estimated 8,000 participated in the annual trick-or-treating event.

Fairies, doctors, cowboys and pirates formed long, winding lines in front of stores that handed out candy. In the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, excitement reigned instead of the frustration seen in lines at gas stations and distribution centers.

"It's very relaxing. It gets your mind off of everything," said Rosalyne Toussaint of Riviera Beach. She was with her 1-year-old niece, Zariah. "It's great for the kids. To see their faces smiling, it's the best thing in the world."

In light of many Halloween activities canceled today and many people suffering from boredom after a week without power, no one was surprised by the size of the party.

"We live in Wellington and we're not even sure if they're doing trick or treating," said Melissa Smalling, who was there with her two children. "Our daughter heard on the news that they wanted to cancel Halloween, and she was devastated."

The event also was a food drive, which benefited low-income families, and partygoers donated two nonperishable items to the cause. "This is by far the largest turnout we've had for this event," Roberts said.

For many, it was the first reason to celebrate since Wilma struck.

"That's why it's so crowded, because everybody wants to get out of the house," said Luis Amador, who was dressed as Bugs Bunny and taking his 8-month-old daughter, Sofia, trick or treating.

Those who missed the action can attend another trick-or-treating party at Town Center at Boca Raton from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today. There will be costumed Halloween greeters, trick or treating, and goodies provided by the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

While officials in some cities are encouraging daytime trick or treating, other cities are asking residents to refrain, as well as canceling and postponing events.

"We don't want anyone out on the streets at all. We realize that children were looking forward to this, but everyone's safety is of the city's utmost concern," said Laura Hannah, assistant to the Lake Worth city manager. "Stop signs are down, traffic lights are not operational. We have debris everywhere."

The city's annual Halloween event, sponsored by the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce, "Halloween on the Avenues" is rescheduled for Fridayat the Cultural Plaza. The postponement has not prompted complaints, Hannah said.

"I think it's going to make it more fun," she said with a laugh. "You have Christmas in July, and now we're going to have Halloween in November."

Officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are warning residents of hidden dangers, which can lurk inside the mounds of hurricane debris piled up in yards and sidewalks, officials said.

"There are downed lines all over the place. There are other dangers, like glass and nails that blew all over. It's dangerous in the evenings," said Paul Miller, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. "It's not like we're trying to cancel Halloween. We're just trying to get parents to realize dangers and [take] the common-sense approach."